British Air Force Typhoon jets have joined forces with French warplanes in a combined operation targeting an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory employed by the Daesh militant organization, according to the British defence ministry.
The location, located using intelligence, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the release indicated, and was located in mountains just north of the historic site of Palmyra in the heart of Syria.
"Our fighter planes used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a several approach shafts leading to the depot... initial indications indicate the objective was successfully hit," the ministry announced.
There was no indication of any harm to civilians in the operation on Saturday evening and each participating jet returned safely, the defence officials confirmed.
The Typhoon FGR4s were supported by a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft.
IS - alternatively referred to as the so-called Islamic State - established jihadist rule over parts of Iraq and Syria prior to its 2019 collapse.
"This operation shows British leadership, and determination to work closely with our allies, to eradicate any resurgence of IS and their harmful and extremist ideologies in the region," the British Defence Secretary John Healey stated.
UK warplanes have performed overwatch operations over Syria to "deter any efforts to regroup" of Islamic State after its routing at the climactic battle in Baghuz in the year 2019, the MoD reported.
"I extend gratitude to all the members of British forces who took part in this operation for their expertise and their courage," the Defence Secretary commented. "They were among numerous UK service members deployed over Christmas and New Year. This action, to remove dangerous terrorists who threaten our security, shows how our armed forces are ready to step up, all year round, keeping Britain secure at home and strong abroad."
In December, the American forces executed what it termed a "major assault" against Daesh sites in Syria, after an ambush killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The United Nations reports Daesh still boasts between 5,000 and 7,000 combatants in Syria and Iraq.
